News From The Front-Line:
A Life Is Spared Because Of A Teacher’s Skill And Swift Action
By Phyllis C. Murray
When a choking victim can’t speak or breathe and needs your help immediately, the fine line between life and death is incalculable. Fortunately, because of swift and heroic action of Scott Dentz, a seasoned teacher and part time volunteer fireman, a young life was saved at P.S.75, Bronx.
Recently, while Dentz was instructing a guided reading group (and the collaborating teacher was working with another group), Dentz observed Anthony Anderson, his fifth grade student, exhibiting unusual behavior in the classroom. Anderson was holding his neck to indicate that he was choking. The students were screaming, “Anthony is choking.” Assessing the situation, Dentz asked Anderson if he were choking. When Anthony signaled, “Yes!” Dentz cleared away the other students and began administering the Heimlich Maneuver.
The Heimlich Maneuver requires numerous steps to help a choking victim. This includes: pressing into the upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust. The Heimlich Maneuver requires much skill and ability. Fortunately, it is also an integral part of the fireman’s training that Dentz had received as a volunteer fireman in Rockland County. After giving Anthony approximately four or five thrusts, the foreign object, a piece of candy, was dislodged from Anderson’s throat. Anderson could breathe, normally again.
Immediately after Anderson’s rescue, Dentz accompanied Anderson to the nurse’s office. Anderson was examined by the nurse and released back to class. The Anderson’s mother was contacted as well as the principal.
Fortunately, this story had a happy ending. Because of Scott Dentz’s prior training in CPR as well as Dentz’s willingness to get involved in a crisis in the classroom, a fatal and tragic accident was avoided: Anderson’s life was spared. In June of 2005 Anthony Anderson, an exceptionally gifted art student, graduated from PS 75, Bronx. He will go far.
We applaud Scott Dentz for his heroic actions. We were proud to have had him as a member of our staff. His dedication to the students and staff was exhibited, daily. And the School Safety Committee continued to benefit from the experience and valor that he selflessly shared with one and all on our staff. Scott Dentz, Educator/Firefighter continues to serve beyond the call of duty in District 8. His heroic work at PS 75, Bronx is still remembered.#
